5.
The Discourse on Sūciloma
Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Gayā on the Ṭaṅkitamañca, in the abode of the demon Sūciloma. Now at that time the demon Khara and the demon Sūciloma were passing by not far from the Blessed One. Then the demon Khara said this to the demon Sūciloma - "That is an ascetic!" "That is no ascetic, that is a mere ascetic. I will find out whether he is an ascetic or whether he is a mere ascetic."
Then the demon Sūciloma approached the Blessed One; having approached, he brought his body close to the Blessed One. Then the Blessed One drew his body away. Then the demon Sūciloma said this to the Blessed One - "Do you fear me, ascetic?" "I do not fear you, friend; but your touch is evil."
"I will ask you a question, ascetic. If you do not answer me, I will derange your mind, or I will split your heart, or having seized you by the feet I will hurl you across the Ganges."
"I do not see anyone, friend, in the world with its gods, with its Māras, with its Brahmās, among the generation with its ascetics and brahmins, with its gods and humans, who could derange my mind or split my heart or having seized me by the feet hurl me across the Ganges. But ask, friend, whatever you wish." Then the demon Sūciloma addressed the Blessed One in verse -
273.
From where arising do mental thoughts release, like boys releasing a crow?"
274.
From here arising do mental thoughts release, like boys releasing a crow."
275.
Many, attached to sensual pleasures, like a māluvā creeper spread in the forest.
276.
They cross this flood hard to cross, never crossed before, for non-rebirth."
The Discourse on Sūciloma is concluded as fifth.